The dog’s immune system will destroy any infected red blood cells in order to destroy the parasite living inside. If many cells are infected, this results in red blood cell deficiency, called anemia. Sometimes, the immune system will also destroy uninfected cells. This is called immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

CAUSES:

The cause of babesiosis can be:

Tick bite: a tick feeds on a dog for 2 to 3 days, and infects it with the babesia parasite

Infected pregnant dog: the disease can spread to her unborn puppies

Dog bite: from an infected dog

SIGNS:

The most common signs of babesiosis are:

Pale tongue and gums (because of red blood cell deficiency)

Swollen lymph nodes

Fever

Lack of appetite

Weakness

Depression

Dark urine (red or orange)

It is common for infected dogs to get other tick-related diseases (such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Lyme Disease) when bitten by a tick carrying Babesiosis. These diseases will make the babesiosis more severe.

DIAGNOSIS:

In order to diagnose your dog with babesiosis, your veterinarian will review medical history and discuss possible tick exposure.

Then, the veterinarian will do a few tests to determine if your dog has babesiosis:

Immunofluorescence: uses a fluorescent dye to illuminate viruses in the body

PCR testing: extremely sensitive test which can test for different types of babesia

TREATMENT:

Most veterinarians agree that specific treatment depends on the exact type of babesia in your dog. Treatment will usually include:

Medications: injected or through an IV

Blood transfusions: 50% of dogs will need

PREVENTION:

Babesiosis can be prevented with tick control:

Avoid tick-infested environments: sandy, wooded and grassy areas, thick underbrush, and make sure your dog stays on a path if you are near wooded or grassy areas

Tick repellents: for yourself and your dog, especially if you are going into woods or anywhere where there may be ticks

Tick checks: for yourself and yourdog after walking in woods or fields; if you find any ticks on your dog, remove them immediately!

Removing the tick within 24 hours of it landing on yourdog will greatly reduce the chance of yourdog contracting of babesiosis.

If the tick is moving, it has not yet bitten your dog. Quickly remove it and kill it by putting it in rubbing alcohol or crushing it between two solid surfaces. If you crush the tick, do not get its blood on your skin, as the bacteria can enter your body through a small cut.

If the tick is attached to your dog, use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to you pet’s skin as possible, and slowly and steadily pull it straight out. It is important kill the tick in alcohol after removing it, or it may look for another host to feed on.

PROGNOSIS:

The prognosis for babesiosis is guarded. Surviving dogs are usually lifetime carriers of the disease; they may suffer relapses with stress, and they may spread the disease further.

Dogs that have recovered from babesiosis should not donate blood for transfusions because the recipients will get the disease.

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Arlington North Animal Clinic is a full service animal hospital dedicated to the practice of preventative veterinary medicine as well as addressing any medical, surgical, and dental issues.

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